re: #222 Gus 802

50 to 100 bucks would keep you out of the Union army. Now that was a lot of money back then. A lot. Conscripted troops reflect a wider range of class though — in general because well connected people can still get out of fighting in the front. Volunteer armies become a means of not only employment but a way out of poverty. There are some positive benefits to both.

Oops. 50 to 300 bucks. Er, I mean dollars. ;)